Kin Ping Meh

Album Overview

Kin Ping Meh's third studio album, titled 3, was released in 1973 under the Zebra label (catalog number 2949 011). This record reflects a dynamic phase for the German band, incorporating elements of electronic music and rock, particularly within the Krautrock genre. The album showcases a blend of heavy blues-rock and progressive rock, marking a shift in the band's sound.

Lineup Changes and Contributions

The album features contributions from several notable musicians. Geff Harrison, a guest vocalist previously associated with the band Twenty Sixty Six and Then, lends his raspy English vocals to the mix. Founding member Werner Stephan provides the lead vocals on "Love Is The Day," making it his last contribution to the band. The dual guitar work comes from Gerhard "Gagey" Mrozeck and Uli Groß, who also adds to the vocals and songwriting. Frieder Schmitt plays the Hammond organ, acoustic piano, electric piano, and the Moog synthesizer, contributing to the album's distinctive electronic sound.

Production Details

3 was recorded and mixed at Windrose-Dumont-Time Studios in Hamburg. The sound engineering was handled by Wolfgang Klaus, while Gorilla Musik took on the production role. The inclusion of horn arrangements by Helmut Mocker adds a unique texture to the arrangements. Backing vocals are provided by Elga Blask, Pete Bender, Ralle Oberpichler, and Rolf Köhler, enriching the vocal layers throughout the album.

Musical Exploration

The album consists of several tracks that exemplify the band's evolving sound. Highlights include "Come On In," "Random," and "Rock Is The Way," which feature strong guitar riffs and engaging melodies. The 14-minute suite "Circus" explores more complex progressive structures, while "Mrs. Holmes" showcases the band's ability to blend various musical influences. The combination of hard rock and electronic elements, especially through Schmitt's use of synthesizers, defines the character of this album.

Technical Specifications

Kin Ping Meh's 3 was released on vinyl as an LP. Its production reflects the experimentation that characterized much of the early 1970s German rock scene. The album's release year is 1973.